Understanding Solar Panel Costs Regionally

When it comes to installing solar panels for your home, the cost can vary significantly depending on the region you're in. Several factors influence solar panel prices, such as local incentives, state-specific policies, energy demand, and installation labor costs. Let’s explore the regional variations in solar panel costs across different parts of the United States.

National Average Solar Installation Costs

As of recent data, the national average cost of a residential solar panel system is between $10,000 and $25,000 for a 5 kW to 7 kW system. This includes the cost of panels, inverters, installation labor, and permitting fees. However, it's important to note that installation costs per watt can range from $2.50 to $3.50 or more, depending on where you live.

Some regions experience higher costs due to factors like higher labor costs, local demand, and the availability of incentives.

Regional Breakdown of Solar Panel Costs

1. California: The Solar Capital

California has been a leader in solar energy adoption, and it continues to have some of the highest solar installations in the country. The state benefits from an abundance of sunlight and a robust market for solar installations.

• Average Cost: In California, solar panel installation costs are slightly above the national average, averaging around $2.80 to $3.20 per watt.

• Incentives & Rebates: California has generous state incentives, including the California Solar Initiative (CSI), which provides rebates for eligible homeowners, and net metering policies, which allow homeowners to earn credits for surplus electricity.

• Impact of Net Metering: The ability to sell excess electricity back to the grid can reduce overall energy bills, making solar installation more cost-effective in the long run. The state’s Solar Mandate, which requires new homes to be solar-ready, also helps further promote solar adoption.

• Total System Cost: For a typical 5 kW system, installation costs can range from $14,000 to $18,000 after incentives.

2. Texas: A Growing Solar Market

Texas, with its vast open spaces and plenty of sunlight, is an emerging leader in solar power, particularly for residential use.

• Average Cost: Solar installation in Texas tends to be a bit lower than in California, with prices averaging around $2.50 to $3.00 per watt.

• Incentives & Rebates: Texas offers some incentives through federal programs, but the state does not have as many state-specific rebates or incentives as California. However, homeowners can still benefit from federal tax credits (ITC), which reduce the upfront cost by 26%.

• Energy Usage Impact: Texas homeowners are motivated to adopt solar primarily due to the potential savings on electricity bills. Energy rates in Texas are higher than in many states, and solar panels can help homeowners reduce their reliance on grid power.

• Total System Cost: The cost for a 5 kW system in Texas can range from $12,500 to $16,000 after rebates and incentives.

3. New York: High Costs with Significant Incentives

New York has some of the highest energy costs in the U.S., making solar an attractive option for homeowners. However, installation costs tend to be on the higher end due to the state’s labor and permitting fees.

• Average Cost: The average cost for solar installation in New York ranges from $3.00 to $3.50 per watt, higher than the national average.

• Incentives & Rebates: New York offers a state rebate program through the NY-Sun Initiative, along with state tax credits and federal incentives. Additionally, New York’s net metering policy allows homeowners to earn credits for surplus energy fed back into the grid.

• Energy Costs: The high cost of electricity in New York makes solar energy a more cost-effective solution, especially for homeowners in urban areas who may have limited space for large systems.

• Total System Cost: After incentives, the cost for a typical 5 kW system in New York ranges from $15,000 to $20,000.

4. Florida: Sunshine State with Competitive Pricing

Florida, known for its abundant sunshine, is one of the fastest-growing solar markets in the country, particularly for residential customers.

• Average Cost: The cost of solar installation in Florida ranges from $2.50 to $3.00 per watt, making it more affordable compared to states like New York and California.

• Incentives & Rebates: Florida offers state rebates for solar installations through various local utilities, as well as the federal tax credit. The state also has a Property Tax Exemption for solar systems, which ensures that the value added to a home from solar panels is not taxed.

• Energy Savings: Florida homeowners see significant savings on their energy bills, especially during the hot summer months when air conditioning usage drives electricity consumption.

• Total System Cost: A 5 kW system in Florida can cost anywhere from $12,500 to $16,000 after incentives.

5. Midwest and Northeast (e.g., Illinois, Massachusetts)

In regions like the Midwest and Northeast, solar adoption is growing, but installation costs can be higher due to factors such as installation fees and less optimal sunlight exposure in winter months.

• Average Cost: Solar installation in these regions typically costs between $2.75 to $3.50 per watt.

• Incentives & Rebates: States like Illinois and Massachusetts offer generous incentives, including state-level rebates, Property Tax Exemptions, and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs), which help lower the overall cost of installation. Net metering is available in many states as well.

• Energy Savings: In areas with higher energy costs, solar can be particularly beneficial in offsetting winter heating bills.

• Total System Cost: In Illinois or Massachusetts, the typical 5 kW system might cost between $13,000 and $18,000 after incentives.

6. Hawaii: High Solar Costs with Significant Benefits

Hawaii has some of the highest energy rates in the U.S., making solar energy particularly attractive, but installation costs are relatively high.

• Average Cost: Solar panel installation costs in Hawaii range from $3.50 to $4.00 per watt, which is above the national average.

• Incentives & Rebates: Hawaii offers both state-level incentives and the federal tax credit, as well as net metering policies. The state has also implemented Energy Efficiency Programs to reduce installation costs.

• Energy Savings: With some of the highest energy rates in the U.S., switching to solar energy can significantly reduce homeowners' reliance on expensive grid power, especially given Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels for energy.

• Total System Cost: A 5 kW system in Hawaii can cost $17,500 to $20,000 after incentives.

Conclusion: Regional Considerations When Choosing Solar Panels

While solar energy provides a valuable long-term investment across the country, the cost of solar panel installation can vary significantly by region. Key factors influencing cost include local energy prices, available incentives, and the amount of sunlight a particular region receives. By carefully considering these factors, homeowners can make an informed decision on the type of solar panels to install and the overall cost of the system.

Regardless of where you live, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which offers a 26% reduction in system costs, remains a critical incentive in making solar energy affordable for homeowners across the U.S.

Best Solar Panels of 2024: Top Choices for Efficiency, Durability, and Affordability

As solar technology advances, choosing the best solar panels in 2024 involves looking at factors like efficiency, durability, affordability, and brand reputation. Whether you're outfitting a residential or commercial property, selecting high-quality solar panels ensures long-term energy savings and environmental benefits. In this guide, we’ll cover the best solar panel options available in 2024, including key specifications, pros, cons, and what to consider when selecting solar panels for your specific needs.

Do Solar Panels Work in Cloudy Weather? Exploring Solar Energy's Cloudy Day Performance

In recent years, solar energy has emerged as a leading renewable energy source, offering an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. However, a common question that arises is whether solar panels are effective when the sky is overcast or cloudy. Let's delve into this topic to understand how solar panels perform in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

Do Solar Panels Need Maintenance?

How to clean and how often do solar panels need cleaning?  How much are cleaning services?

Where are solar panels used?

Solar panels are used in a wide range of applications around the world. Here are some common uses of solar panels: 

The Three Types of Solar Panels

Solar panels have been around for years, but recently their popularity has exploded. Solar panels are used to generate electrical power from the sun. There are three main types of Solar Panels to look out for when buying renewable energy for your home or office, and they can be produced and found at any solar panel company in Edmonton. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses and has different uses. 

Find out the different types of solar panels, the benefits of each type of solar panel and how they affect panels further up the production line. 

Should You Choose a Ground Mount or Roof-Mounted Solar Panels?

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Now that we have discussed the benefits and overall life of solar panels, it is time to explain the process of their disposal. This page describes not only how long they last, but also how you can save them from decay.
 
No matter what level of understanding you have, it is important to remember that there are many things that can affect the average life of your solar panels. Anyone new to solar energy does not have to know everything. Solar can teach you everything you need to know about how a solar system works, how to connect it to the public grid, and how much it costs. Contact us to learn more about our repair and maintenance services for solar panels and other related issues.


 
Assuming that the end of the life of a solar panel means that it stops producing electricity, how long will the life of your solar panel be? The industry term "solar panel lifetime" is a degradation rate that describes the performance that a solar panel experiences over time.
 
At this point, it is fair to estimate that your solar panel will still produce energy after the warranty expires. If you have a 0.5% deterioration, the solar panels in your system should continue to run for a long time, which means that you should still operate your solar system even after the warranty has expired. Also, here are some tips to follow to ensure you keep solar panels for the longest period of time.
 
If you understand how long you can expect to benefit your solar panels, you will put your initial investment in context. Typically, guarantees guarantee that your panels will work for the 25 years they are considered efficient, but in reality, they can last quite long. Depending on the manufacturer, the performance of the solar panels cannot be guaranteed and it is very possible that the modules will produce electricity for more than 25-30 years. The fact that some panels, such as those with a 25-year warranty and those that last 25 + years, can give you an idea of how much solar power you should expect over time from a solar-powered system.
 
There is already plenty of evidence that solar panels can last up to 30 years, but real-world experiments will tell you more about the long-term impact of solar energy on your home and energy consumption.
 
There is already plenty of evidence that solar panels can last up to 30 years, but real-world experiments will tell you more about the long-term impact of solar energy on your home's energy consumption. If you ask yourself how long a solar panel lasts in the real world, you ask yourself: "How is this possible"?
 
In 2012, a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that the average life of a solar panel is between 20 and 30 years. Let's take a moment to explore why solar cells degrade over their lifetime and what impact solar energy has on your home's energy consumption. The Solar Energy Industries Association is a group of companies responsible for the production of more than 80 percent of the world's solar panels, so let's look at their research and learn more about the long-term impact of these panels on energy consumption.
 
Generally, solar panels will last between 25 and 30 years, but a number of factors complicate this estimate. The question arises: What makes a solar module last so long and why does it last so long? The expected life of a panel varies from year to year, and the estimate of the average life of each panel changes.
 
Solar panels are the power plant of the future, and like any other device you use in your home, you want to know how long it will last. As a homeowner, you can take steps to extend the life of your solar panels. Let's take a closer look at how long solar panels last on your roof so you're prepared and know how best to keep them waiting as long as possible.
 
If you have considered a major investment like this, it is also an obvious concern that you can expect it to last until the end: How long do solar panels last? When we consider a large investment as a home plan or as an investment in a new home, the question of how long we can expect our solar panel to last is always a direct concern for us, especially when we consider large investments like this. 

Does Your Roof Need to Face South for Solar?

East- and West-Facing Roofs are Great for Solar

We all know south-facing roofs are the best option for installing solar, but what if your roof does not face south? What if the south side of your roof is shaded or at a bad angle?

Don’t worry. A southern orientation is not crucial for a solar installation. East- or west-facing roofs are also great candidates for solar.

Even though the sun shines from the south, the east and west sides of a roof are exposed to significant amounts of sunlight throughout the day. In fact, east- and west-facing solar panels can produce 80% as much electricity as south-facing solar panels.

What this means is that with a small increase in the number of solar panels on your roof, your east- or west-facing solar panels can produce just as much electricity as a south-facing solar panels. 

When is East-Facing Solar a Better Option?

The best strategy for solar production is to produce electricity when you need it. This means that sometimes a south-facing roof is not the best option for solar panels. This can be the case for households or businesses that see high electricity use early in the day.

As businesses or households start flipping switches to turn on lights and equipment and start powering up computers and other machinery, their energy consumption can quickly ramp up. This is the time when solar could help cover their energy demands.

For these consumers, early-morning energy production from the east or southeast-facing solar panels is a good option. East-facing solar panels can take advantage of the early-morning sun and start producing electricity earlier than south-facing solar panels. 

When is West-Facing Solar a Better Option?

As stated above, the best strategy for solar is to produce energy when you need it most. For many households, their highest energy demands come in the evening. As families get home from work and school, they start turning on lights, televisions, microwaves, washers, and dryers, and their energy consumption skyrockets.

To meet these late-evening energy demands, it can sometimes be a good strategy to have solar panels that face west or southwest to take advantage of the evening sun.

Designing your solar system to produce electricity in the evening can also help avoid Time-Of-Use (TOU) utility rates. TOU rates charge more for energy used during peak demand periods, often in the evening when households are ramping up their energy usage.

With west and southwest-facing solar installations, solar panels can produce electricity when TOU rates are highest and help reduce energy bills. 

Click on the map of solar farms in Texas and solar farms in California to search for locations.

Author: Tim Deters

Bio: Tim Deters is a content manager for Green Ridge Solar. Tim’s background is in journalism and renewable energy, which he uses to convey important facts and information about solar and renewable energy. Tim is known for his silent nature and owning more plants than he has space.

What Type of Solar Panel System Is Best For My Home?

As solar panels become cheaper and cheaper, solar power is growing to unprecedented heights and is the future power of beating coal and other fossil fuels. It is imperative to take advantage of this opportunity to switch to solar power to save on your monthly electricity bills.  Follow the steps below for your first step to go solar, which determines the type and size of the solar energy system for your home. How do solar panels work?

You first need to know that a typical solar-powered home has 3 types of solar power system options, each with its own level of complexity, cost, and benefits. That is why the first step to going solar is deciding what type of home you want. Here are those 3 types, their description and advantages and disadvantages.



1)  On-grid system is connected to the electric grid. Your home will then have 2 sources of energy: your solar energy system and the electrical grid. In the morning, your home will power your devices with the energy generated by solar. If this is not enough, your home will get a deficit from the electric grid. In the afternoon, your solar generates more energy than your home's energy demands at that time. When this happens, the excess energy is exported back to the electric grid. If you have a net metering system, you will be credited a certain amount for all the energy you export and this credit will be deducted from your next electricity bill. At night, you usually get energy from the electric grid without solar.

The main advantage of on-grid systems is that it is simpler and therefore cheaper. You don't need batteries for your night time use or cloudy days. Also, it is more reliable to supply power from your home as you always have an electric grid backed up. You never have to worry about whether your solar can power your devices at any time.

The disadvantage of on-grid systems is that you still rely on the electric grid. Therefore, on-grid systems cannot be installed in remote locations. Also, when there is a power outage, the on-grid systems are automatically shut down as they are connected to the electric grid, making them useless in these situations.

2) Off-Grid - As its name suggests, off-grid systems allow homes to move off the grid or disconnect to the electrical grid and operate on their own. To do this, this type of system requires the use of batteries or a Tesla Power Wall. Solar panels are sized so that in the daytime, it produces more energy than your daylight consumption. The extra power is used to charge your batteries, and then used for your night time use.

The advantage of off-grid systems is that you are completely independent of the electric grid. Since you are already generating energy for your home, you will never have to pay for electric bills again. Also, you are not affected by power outages.

However, in spite of all those advantages, off-grid systems are complex to operate and maintain. This aside, it can be quite expensive as the system needs to be heavy to replace the extra batteries and low-radiation months (winter and rainy season).

3) Hybrid Systems - This type of system is a combination of on-grid and off-grid systems and allows the homeowner to enjoy the benefits of both systems. It is connected to an electric grid, such as an on-grid system, and also has batteries to serve as backup during power outages. Unlike off-grid systems, batteries of hybrid systems are usually reserved for these cases.

The advantage of hybrid systems is that you get the best of both worlds. Because you are still connected to the grid, you have the reliability of on-grid systems. With this, you will still have no problems supplying energy to your home when your solar generates enough power. Also, because you have batteries, you still have a power supply when there are power outages.

If set aside, you can use hybrid systems to take advantage of the tariff time. The tariff of consumption refers to having different power rates depending on the time of day. The rate at pre-defined times is called "off-peak hours" and is highest during "peak hours". Using the hybrid system, you can charge your batteries with electricity from the grid during off-peak time for your own consumption. Doing so will increase the savings you get from using solar energy.

As with off-grid systems, hybrid systems are difficult to operate and maintain as you also have batteries. Although not as expensive as off-grid systems, they are also expensive.

By knowing the different types of solar power systems and their associated advantages and disadvantages, you will be able to give you information on what you want in your home. However, you also need to consider the specific cost of each system and for that, you should get a quote from various solar entrepreneurs.

What Are Solar Panels & How Do They Work?

Solar Panels

What are Solar Panels?

Solar panels are devices that are used to convert light energy into electricity. They are made from semiconductors and they accomplish this through the photoelectric effect. Today, solar energy is one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the last few years in terms of global capacity and most of it is due to advancements in solar panel technology and continuous reductions in its cost.

What Type of solar panel system is best for my home?

How do They Work?

Solar panels are made from semiconductors and this gives them their distinct characteristic of being able to convert light into electricity. Semiconductors are a class of substances that are in between conductors and insulators. This means that they have a conductivity that is in between the two.

Semiconductors also have a property of being able to make use of the photoelectric effect. This phenomenon was first observed in 1887 by Heinrich Hertz. He had a device that is called the spark gap generator where you have two small metal spheres working as a transmitter and another two small metal spheres that work as a receiver. The transmitter can induce sparks between the metal spheres of the receiver. The two metal spheres of the receiver are separated by a small air gap and this air gap must be made to be very little to be able to for it to be effective. Hertz saw that he could increase the capacity of the receiver to faithfully reproduce the sparks from the transmitter by illuminating it with visible or ultraviolet light. He and all the other physicists at that time, however, we're unable to understand why and how it happens.

It was only more than 100 years later when the photoelectric effect was explained by none other than Albert Einstein. To understand it, we must first understand the basic model of an atom. Electrons inside the atom are arranged into shells with the nucleus in the center. These shells can be thought of as concentric spheres with larger spheres corresponding to higher energy levels. Electrons with the highest energy level are located in the outermost shell which is called the valence shell. Einstein proposed that light behaves as discrete particles when it hits the atom. It is then absorbed by the electron, allowing it to have a higher energy and escape its parent atom. This “free” electron can then be conducted throughout the material as electricity.

This is the exact same phenomenon that solar panels use to convert light into electricity. When solar panels are exposed to light, it creates a large number of free electrons in the semiconductor material. These free electrons are then collected at the solar panel terminals to create voltage and current.

Types of Solar Panels: Mono, Poly & Thin Film

There are 3 types of solar panels that are available in the market today and these are: 1.) Monocrystalline, 2.) Polycrystalline and 3.) Thin-film solar panels. The first two types are both made from crystalline silicon. Inside a crystalline silicon, the silicon molecules form themselves into a neat crystal arrangement all throughout the material. The only difference between the two being the purity of the crystalline silicon used. This simply means the absence of other types of atoms inside the material. The purity of the used silicon material is important as a higher purity also corresponds to a higher efficiency.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels can easily be distinguished from their black color. If you will also take a closer look, you will see that it has an even coloring and uniform look. This is because monocrystalline solar panels are made from silicon of that only has one crystal structure throughout the material, hence, the name monocrystalline.

Because they are made from a higher grade of silicon, they also have a higher efficiency. They also have a lower temperature coefficient, which means that they perform better at higher temperatures. They are also more expensive, however, since the processes that are used to enhance the purity of silicon are expensive.

For actual solar PV installations, the added cost of using monocrystalline solar panels can be worth it as they let you conserve space. Because of its higher efficiency, you will need to install less solar panels to produce the same amount of energy. This is very important when installing for buildings or houses with a limited roof space.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels usually come in color blue. It also has an uneven coloring which shows the different crystal structures inside the material. Polycrystalline silicon is also simpler to manufacture and therefore, costs less.

This type of solar panel tends to have a lower efficiency because of the lower silicon purity. They also have a higher temperature coefficient compared to monocrystalline solar panels. This means that they perform worse than monocrystalline solar panels at higher temperatures. However, in actual solar PV installations, the difference between the two is minor and there are more important things that homeowners need to take into account like brand, model, logistics, etc.

Thin Film Solar Panels

Thin film solar panels are made by depositing one or several thin layers of semiconductor material onto a substrate. They have the lowest efficiency compared to the first two types and because of this, they are not commonly used in residential, commercial or utility-scale applications. But they have a distinct advantage of being flexible, allowing them to be used in applications where the first two types can’t be used. 

Types of Solar Panels: 60-cell & 72-cell

There are generally two types of monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels available in the market today. These are 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels. These numbers correspond to the number of solar cells connected in series inside the solar panel. Solar panels are composed of smaller units connected in series, which are called solar cells. Solar cells typically produce a very low voltage and they are connected in series to produce a useable voltage level.

60-cell solar panels usually have power ratings of 230W-270 while 72-cell solar panels are usually in the range of 280W-320W. Because of having more cells in series, 72-cell solar panels are bigger in size, but most manufacturers just offer them at the same price per Watt. The choice on which type of solar panels to use, therefore, lies solely on the design of the solar PV system to be installed.

Solar Module Properties: IV Curve

The IV curve is the set of all points where the solar panels can operate on. These points correspond to the current and voltage values that they can produce at any given input values. The IV curve is very important as it describes how the solar panel will operate at any given input irradiance and temperature.

The IV curve is where we derive the most important operating parameters of the solar panels which are the: open-circuit voltage (Voc), the voltage at maximum power point (Vmp), short-circuit voltage (Isc) and current at maximum power point (Imp). These are the main parameters used in the design of solar PV systems. The IV curve of a solar panel is given by the equation:

This equation is used in some solar PV simulation software to determine the output parameters of the solar panels at any given point in time.

Solar Module Properties: Power Curve & Maximum Power Point

From the IV curve, we can derive another curve that tells us the power output of the solar panel at any given input parameters. We can see that the power output of a solar panel is 0 at both the open-circuit voltage and the short circuit current. We also see the power output be at its peak at a point called the maximum power point. The voltage and current values at this point are called voltage at maximum power point and current at the maximum power point, respectively.

On a PV array, each solar panel is “forced” by the inverter to operate at its maximum power point because this is where the solar panel is at its highest efficiency. This is the main reason why different brands and models of solar panels are never mixed together in a PV array. They may have different maximum power points which means that they must operate at different voltages and currents to produce maximum power. The inverter, however, can only choose one operating point for all solar panels and it chooses the point where PV array production is at its maximum. This means that each solar panel will have to operate outside of its maximum operating point and will, therefore, be less efficient.

Even in a PV array with a uniform brand and model of solar panels, imperfections in the manufacturing process may also introduce differences in the maximum power points in each solar panel. And similar to the situation explained in the above paragraph, each solar panel will operate at a slightly different point that its maximum power point. Because of this, the total maximum output of the PV array is effectively reduced. This is called mismatch loss and it is also considered by the top PV simulation programs when calculating energy yield.

Solar Module Properties: Efficiency

The efficiencies of commercially available solar panels are usually in the range of 15-20%. As with any other energy source, it is the ratio of input energy to its output. For solar panels, the input is the insolation that the solar panel receives.

Compared to other energy sources, solar energy has the lowest efficiency. But comparing energy sources through their efficiencies is comparing apples and oranges because each energy source has a different input. To make an accurate comparison, it makes sense to use LCOE instead.  LCOE stands for levelized cost of energy. It simply means the cost of power produced by any energy source over its lifetime. The simple way to calculate the LCOE is to divide the total cost of constructing the power plant with the total amount of energy that it will produce over its lifetime.

According to the 2017 edition of Lazard’s annual Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) study, solar and wind already has a lower LCOE than all the other energy sources because of their continuously plummeting costs.

The main reason why this is the case is because solar energy is technology-based rather than fuel-based like other fossil fuel sources. For fuel-based sources, improvements can only come through how efficiently we can extract energy from our fuel source. For a technology-based energy source like solar, however, its improvement is exponential This is similar to Moore’s Law for integrated circuits (IC). Not only that, with improvements in the manufacturing processes used, the total cost is also continuously going down.

Solar Module Properties: Temperature Characteristic

Semiconductors have a negative temperature coefficient which means that its resistance increases with an increase in temperature. For solar panels, this corresponds to a decrease in total power output. If we look at the IV curve at different operating temperatures, we can see that the curve moves slightly to the left with increases in temperature. This means that the solar panel’s operating voltage decreases slightly as the cell temperature increases. This is contrary to popular belief that solar panels convert heat to electricity and therefore, will produce more energy during hotter ambient temperatures.

There are basically only two input parameters that affect the solar panel’s output, and these are irradiance and cell temperature. This is why for solar farms and some commercial solar PV systems, they install weather sensors like pyranometers (measures irradiance) and module temperature sensors. The data collected from these sensors can then be used to get the expected energy production and compared to its actual production to measure its performance.

Effect of Shading / Solar Module String Characteristics 

Solar panels are connected in series to form a string to increase its voltage to a level that is compatible with the inverter input. And since they are in series, they can only produce a single value of current. If one solar panel in the string is subjected to shading, it effectively reduces the amount of irradiance on its input. The IV curve of that solar panel is moved downward, corresponding to a decrease in output current. When this happens, all other solar panels in the string are also forced to decrease their output current to match the shaded solar panel’s output.

Therefore, solar panels that are connected in a string only perform as well as the least performing solar panel on the string. In short, shading on one solar panel effectively affects every other solar panel on the string.

The same thing happens for the solar cells that are also connected in series to form the solar panel. Even when only one portion of the solar panel is subjected to shading, it also affects all the other solar cells. And because of this, shading on a small area on a solar panel results to a disproportionate amount of reduction in power output.

Solar Module Physical Characteristics

Solar modules are exposed to the sun, which means that it has to withstand extreme weather conditions like hot and cold ambient temperatures, rain, snow and hail for its lifetime of 25 years.  To be able to do this, the solar cells inside the solar panels come with several layers of protection against the outside elements. These are:

·  Glass – the glass at the very front of the solar modules make them weatherproof and protects them from impact from falling debris. These are made from 3 to 4mm thick tempered glass. Tempered glass is used because it breaks only in tiny fragments rather than large, sharp and jagged sections for standard glass. The IEC minimum standard is that the glass must be able to withstand an impact from 1 inch wide hailstones traveling at 60 miles per hour.

·  Aluminum Frame – The aluminum frame protects the edge of the laminate section containing the solar cells while also providing a solid structure to mount the solar cells. The frame is made from aluminum because of its lightweight characteristic. The solar modules are mounted in position by clamps installed on the frame. The frame is also grounded in the installation for protection.

·  EVA film – EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a highly transparent plastic used to encapsulate the solar cells. It has 2 functions, as shock absorption from external impact and as another layer of protection from temperature and moisture and dirt ingress.

·  Backsheet – the back sheet is located on the rearmost part of the solar module for mechanical protection and electrical insulation.

Tips for Cleaning Solar Panels

The overall efficiency of your solar power system is going to be determined by the amount of direct sunlight that your solar panels can access. If your panels are covered in bird droppings, pollen, shadowed by large trees, or have dirt accumulated on them, the system is potentially not going to operate with maximum power. When solar panels are dirty, they can lose up to 25% of their energy. Under normal circumstances, with rain or snowfall, panels will be cleaned naturally. In some areas, however, especially areas with little rain or snow, it’s important to find a way to safely keep them clean.

Installing Solar Panels in California

Earlier this year, regulators in California approved a plan to require solar panels on new home construction throughout the state and set 2020 for everything to go into effect. The plan will require solar panels to be installed on almost all new single-family homes which will add nearly $10,000 onto the cost of a new home. The plan is a welcome addition for statewide homebuilders as well as solar power companies and utility companies.

Making the World a Greener Place One Person at a Time

Solar energy and other renewable energy sources have reignited hopes of a greener, cleaner world. We don’t, however, need to wait for governments to take control and to convert energy production to renewable solutions. Instead, we can all do our part to reducing our carbon footprint. Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t have to mean a change in lifestyle, either. Here are five improvements you can make to your home and life that will reduce your monthly bills and reduce your carbon footprint: 

1.     Seal Your Home

One of the first things that everyone should do when aiming to reduce their carbon footprint is to simply seal their home. This will reduce your monthly utility bill and make your home warmer and dryer. For small projects, you can do it yourself by replacing old caulking. Whether you need a professional renovation done depends on the state of your home. This investment, however, is needed if you ever want to sell your home.

2.     Heat Your Home More Efficiently

Once your home is properly sealed, you can then work on using energy more efficiently. One thing you should never do, for instance, is leave your heating on (even on low) throughout the day when you leave the house. Instead, keep it off except for key times when you need it. Rugs and thick curtains can also trap and retain heat, meaning that you can use heating more effectively.

3.     Upgrade Your Appliances

One of the biggest culprits for a high-energy bill (and as a result, a larger carbon footprint) are old household appliances. Upgrading to newer, more efficient models will not only save you money, it is also much safer. Old appliances are fire hazards, don’t work as well, and typically look outdated. Updated appliances are also a good investment if you ever want to later sell your home.

4.     Upgrade Your Car  

Just as you should upgrade your appliances, you should also upgrade your car. Visit Eastern Mini and pick up a car that is safer and has better gas mileage efficiency. The more efficient the vehicle, the better. Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly common as well, which is another avenue you can look at when choosing a new vehicle.

5.     Install Renewable Energy for Your Home

The last improvement you can make to your life, that will also reduce your monthly bills, is to install a home renewable energy solution. This means solar panels on your roof, or even a windmill if you have a large enough property. The renewable energy can be stored and used, reducing your monthly energy bill, and saving the planet in one go.

Everyone can get on board with these solutions, because they mean reduced costs in the long run and increased personal safety. If everyone around the world reduced their carbon footprint humanity would make true headway against global warming. Do your part in saving the environment, even if you only do it for the reduced monthly utilities bill.

Click on the map of solar farms in Texas and solar farms in California to search for locations.

Where is solar glass being used?

Imagine solar cells that not only produce twice as much power per square inch as anything that came before them but are also completely transparent. So transparent, in fact, that they're almost impossible to distinguish from a standard window. Imagine solar cells that can turn even artificial ambient light — like the kind produced by street lamps, for example — into power. Image solar cells that aren't installed but rather sprayed in liquid form onto any surface — and for a fraction of the cost it takes to install far less efficient, bulkier standard photovoltaic panels.  How far Read more.

Solar glass, also known as photovoltaic glass or solar windows, is a specialized type of glass that incorporates solar cells to generate electricity from sunlight. While solar glass is commonly used in residential and commercial buildings, its commercial applications are diverse and expanding. Here are a few examples:

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Solar glass is often used as a component of BIPV systems, where the glass itself serves as both a building material and a solar energy generator. It can be incorporated into windows, skylights, facades, and curtain walls of commercial buildings, seamlessly blending with architectural design while harnessing solar energy.

• Greenhouses and Agriculture: Solar glass can be applied in agricultural settings, such as greenhouse structures. The transparent or semi-transparent solar panels in these structures allow sunlight to pass through, providing natural lighting for plants, while simultaneously generating electricity to power the greenhouse or nearby facilities.
• Transportation and Infrastructure: Solar glass finds potential use in transportation, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) and public transportation systems. Solar panels integrated into the glass surfaces of EVs can help supplement the vehicle's power supply, increasing its range. Additionally, solar glass can be integrated into bus stops, train stations, and other infrastructure to generate renewable energy.
• Consumer Electronics: Solar glass is also utilized in consumer electronic devices. For instance, solar-powered mobile phone screens or laptop screens can harvest energy from ambient light to extend battery life or provide supplementary power.
• Outdoor Advertising and Signage: Solar glass can be integrated into outdoor advertising structures and signage, enabling them to generate electricity. This allows for energy-efficient illumination of billboards, bus shelters, and other outdoor displays.

It's important to note that while solar glass offers numerous possibilities, its efficiency and cost-effectiveness continue to improve with advancements in technology. As the field of solar energy evolves, solar glass is likely to find even broader applications in various commercial sectors. 

Solar glass is being used in various locations and applications around the world. Here are some common areas where solar glass is being deployed:

• Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Solar glass is used in building facades, windows, skylights, and curtain walls of commercial and residential buildings. Examples include office buildings, shopping malls, hotels, and residential complexes.
• Greenhouses and Agriculture: Solar glass is employed in agricultural settings, particularly in greenhouse structures, to generate electricity while allowing natural light to pass through for plant growth.
• Transportation: Solar glass is integrated into transportation systems, including electric vehicles (EVs), buses, trains, trams, and even bicycle shelters. It helps power onboard systems or provides charging capabilities.
• Infrastructure: Solar glass can be found in various infrastructure projects such as bus stops, train stations, airport terminals, and walkways. It generates renewable energy and provides shade or shelter.
• Consumer Electronics: Solar glass is used in consumer electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and e-book readers, to provide supplementary power or extend battery life.
• Outdoor Advertising and Signage: Solar glass is employed in outdoor advertising structures, billboards, bus shelters, and digital signage displays, enabling them to generate renewable energy for illumination.
• Solar Farms and Power Plants: Solar glass can be used in large-scale solar farms and solar power plants, either as standalone solar panels or integrated into solar tracking systems to generate electricity on a utility-scale.

What Makes These Round Solar Panels Unique?

Who Makes These Round Solar Panels and What Makes Them Unique?

Click on the map of solar farms in Texas and solar farms in California to search for locations.